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Tue September 10, 2019
Hitachi
Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America's updated ZW180 — a member of the Dash-6 line-up of mid-sized wheel loaders — weighs in at 32,100 lbs. (14,560 kg), delivers 26,530 lbs. of breakout force and is powered by a Cummins 200 hp Tier 4F QSB6.7 engine. Customers are offered a choice of a 3.4 cu. yd. (2.6 cu m) general purpose bucket or a 4.2 cu. yd. (3.2 cu m) material handling bucket. Able to lift as much as 3,000 lbs. (1,360 kg), the ZW180 can reach loading heights up to 12.9 ft. (3.9 m).
Power and Versatility
A key element in the ZW180-6's design for versatility is Hitachi's new power mode switch, conveniently mounted on the steering joystick. A touch of the power mode switch gives the operator immediate access to additional rim-pull and breakout force for digging into heavy piles or for climbing grades while carrying a full load. Available in any auto and manual ranges, the switch to power mode instantly produces a 10 percent burst in engine rpm. The power mode allows faster acceleration without limiting the loader's top speed on flat runs. The extra power also boosts hydraulic flow to allow quicker bucket lifts for faster cycle times.
The ZW180-6 also features an automatic power-up function, which responsively increases engine rpm anytime the loader slows down due to travel on an uphill grade.Front and rear limited-slip differential with positraction keep the loader moving forward, even in the toughest ground conditions.
Operator Performance and Control
Features designed into the Dash-6 models also focus on helping the best operators get the best from their machine. The ZW180-6 targets the needs of operators with popular smart technology including ride control, telematics, auto power-up, and an operator-friendly LCD color monitor. The cab is fully fitted out for the operator's creature comforts and convenience including automatic A/C, enhanced ventilation and a new sound system with roof-mounted speakers. The compartment is sealed airtight and pressurized to keep out dust and dirt.
An extensive range of intuitive controls come easily to hand for responsive power, steering and loading functions. The tilt/telescoping steering pedestal is linked to a pop-up pedal that quickly returns the steering pedestal to its start position. The transmission offers two auto modes and one manual mode to adapt to the day's applications. A shift-to-hold switch overrides automatic settings to hold the transmission in its current gear until the operator presses it again or changes direction, giving it the extra traction or torque required at that time.
Hitachi's parallel/tandem hydraulic circuit makes load lifting and dumping even more efficient. The parallel tilt and lift movement smooths out digging operations while the tandem function prioritizes the bucket while dumping, as an automatic return-to-dig function resets the bucket for the next load.
Enhanced Visibility
The ZW180-6 carries forward Hitachi's claim of having the best visibility in the business — a significant advantage for machines that are often roading between work sites. A seamless front window, rounded engine cowling and a redesigned ROPS frame allows for clean 360-degree lines-of-sight. Its exhaust and intake stacks are relocated to the far rear end of the engine cover, minimizing their profile in the operator's view.
The rear pillars of the ROPS frame struts are mounted forward and away from the rounded corners of the cab. A rear-mounted safety camera is standard equipment, along with a proximity detection system providing audible and visual alerts for stationary and moving objects up to 20 feet away from the loader.
The DPF-Free Tier IV Final Solution
By eliminating DPF and the required regen cycles from its Dash-6 machines, Hitachi now takes an industry lead in Tier IV Final solutions for wheel loaders. The ZW180-6 is equipped with a clean SCR system using just a simple DEF system that lets the machine run efficiently without high engine temperatures and eliminates concerns about idle times. Fleet managers can look forward to less downtime for engine maintenance and extended engine life to overhaul.
An auto shutdown feature provides further savings on fuel and emissions, adding up to about a 7 percent reduction in fuel cost during load-and-carry operations.
Telematics with Hitachi's Global e-Service allows ZW180‑6 owners to monitor their loaders remotely for machine performance, daily operational reports, remote diagnosis, as well as being able to schedule maintenance dates. The results also are provided automatically in a monthly email summary with Hitachi's ConSite program.
Reputations Are Built On It
Long shifts on roadbuilding and development sites, and in heavy farm work, are among the most demanding wheel loader applications. The ZW180-6 is built for the long haul with a robust frame structure, high ground clearance and a resilient cooling package.
A visibly reinforced cross-tube design resists torsional stresses on the loading arms of the ZW180-6 features. The same robust strength is evident in the articulation area with its beefy structure, large pins and heavy bearings. An optional belly guard also is available to prevent damage to the powertrain and driveshaft in the most rugged terrain.
Standard equipment includes a reversible, on-demand hydraulic cooling fan, which can be activated automatically or manually. Aluminum wide-fin cooling cores ensure high cooling efficiency as well as extending the service life free of corrosion. A new rear grill prevents raw material from entering the radiator compartment and protects it from debris. An exhaust-aspirated air cleaner and integrated pre-cleaner removes large particulate matter from the air inlet, eliminating the need for a turbine-type pre-cleaner.
Easy access doors for routine servicing also is a strong part the of Hitachi's formula for reliability in the ZW180-6. Gull-wing doors on both sides of the engine compartment lift high and clear of all primary service points. The engine air filter is located at the rear of the engine compartment for easy ground level access. Eliminating the DPF components with the SCR system further opens up working space in the engine compartment for service techs. The urea tank is also positioned for convenient inspections and refills.
For more information, visit www.hitachiwheelloaders.us.
This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.